Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive version as we’re likely to know it from now on, and thanks to the nature of the Switch, it’s worth every penny.

It’s not only the “complete” and current experience, but one transformed by its hardware. Much of this will seem like a given to Switch owners, but it’s still completely relevant in terms of what validates picking up this version of Mario Kart 8.

Play arena battles with the enhanced Battle Mode!.

Use smart-steering and auto-accelerate to make your racing experience easier!.

Characters can now hold 2 items at a time during races!.New characters were added exclusively for this Nintendo Switch port!.Experience exciting Mario Kart racing with Nintendo Switch’s powerful graphics!.This port comes with various features that adds to the game’s already great experience: Gathering or swiping coins from others is okay, but not nearly as exciting by comparison.Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an enhanced Nintendo Switch port of the highly successful Wii U racing game. I wish I were more motivated to play Coin Runners, though. Bob-bomb Blast is an explosive, over-the-top face-off. Shine Thief is a wacky, action-packed riff on keep away. In Balloon Battle, you have to take advantage of items and smart positioning to score points by popping your rivals’ balloons.

Nintendo added five smart objective-based modes, and each one brings its own unique competitive angle to its eight varied arenas. If you already have the Wii U version, the real reason to pick up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the revamped Battle mode.

The framerate does drop from 60 to 30 frames per second if you play on a single Switch with three or four players, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker when the racing looks this good. Even remade tracks, like SNES Rainbow Road or F-Zero’s Mute City, have remarkable detail that is noticeable whether you’re playing handheld or on a TV. The course designs, in particular, are top notch – I love the way Mario Circuit twists and bends like a Mobius strip. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe looks great on the Switch, too! It’s just as amazing in 2017 as it was in 2014, and great art direction is a major reason that the graphics have stood the test of time.

Mario kart 8 deluxe dlc download